by Alexander Brooks

The jazz musician that I decided to interview was Michael Holober. Mr. Holober is not only a jazz musician but a music professor here at CCNY. He was originally trained as a classical musician. He received his undergraduate, musical training at SUNY Oneonta and then his masters at SUNY Binghamton. He is now the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra. He has performed in Jazz Orchestras all over the world including in Scotland, Croatia, Sweden and all over Europe. Below is a link of his catalog of music:

https://mikeholober.bandcamp.com/

Five Interview Questions For A Local Jazz Musician: Michael Holober

1. Why did you decide to become a Jazz musician?

“I was classically trained and started very young. A bunch of us got into it as a group in high school. Our instrumental ensemble teacher had Miles Davis “Round Midnight” in his office and we started to listen together. Although I got hooked then, both of my degrees are in classical piano. I had some summer jobs as the rehearsal pianist for a very good opera company. Once I finished my masters there was no choice when the opportunity to switch worlds was there for me.’

2. Who were your inspirations?

“When I was in high school, the jazz station in NYC then was WRVR. They played a lot with Freddie Hubbard and Sonny Stitt. That was the language I wanted to learn. In college and graduate school it was Bill Evans and then John Coltrane. Now it’s everything and everybody.”

3. What do you like about being able to play Jazz in New York?

“That’s an easy one! In NYC you never have to worry about being the best player in the room. Every time you play you learn something, get inspired and get stronger.”

4. What was your favorite venue and why?

In NYC for listening to music, it’s The Village Vanguard. I’ve only played there a handful of times and it’s great. There is a club in Nyack, NY called Maureen’s Jazz Cellar where I play quite often. It’s wonderful – small, they have a quiet policy, the staff and vibe are great, There are always musicians hanging out, it’s always packed and the piano – my instrument – is excellent. In NYC I really miss The Jazz Standard (a victim of Covid) and The Cornelia St Cafe.

5. What is the life of a professional jazz musician like?

There are many ways to be a professional jazz musician and many answers to this question. I teach full-time at CCNY so haven’t spent nearly as much time on the road as pure players. I am also a composer, arranger and conductor. A lot of my work time and travel has been writing and then going to visit a jazz orchestra and staying put for

10 days or so while we rehearse and then do concerts. I like this balance. We are all lucky – we get to do something we love and this satisfaction shows in how great so many of the people are.